2012 goals & resolutions

I've been pondering this topic for a few weeks now, and though this list may seem short, it's been narrowed down to the few things I'd like to improve upon, because I think having fewer goals will help keep me on track. In no particular order, here we go:
1. Make photo albums - this means shelling out the money to print photos and to buy a book, but it is so worth it once it all gets put together. I may even turn it into a scrapbooking project. It's so nice to have photo albums, to look at from time to time, to share with others, etc.
2. Hang wall art - We moved into this house a year ago and have yet to hang anything! (with the exception of Luc's room, we hung framed underwater shots that Alex took while diving, plus a cross-stitch my mother made when he was born) This also sort of ties in with the "print photos" goal above, because we have some unused frames that can be utilised.
3. Create a writing center for Luc and I - I have a little dream of us sitting next to one another (or to have him on my lap) at our desks, writing, drawing, and creating. I want to make more cards this year. Luc has enjoyed the process too, enthusiasticly scribbling away at the pieces of cardstock I handed to him to decorate our holiday cards this year.
4. Make a birthday calender with all our loved ones special days - this ties into the goal above of making more cards to send by snail mail, because it's just so nice to get handwritten cards in the mail, isn't it?! I figure if I have a pretty little calender made up and posted to our wall, I have less of a chance of missing those important days! I have to get on this goal, since people are already having birthdays!
5. Give this blog a make-over - I think this will require a little practice and research in creating more eye-pleasing details in internet-land, so this is a goal that will probably get pushed to later in the year, when we have a normal routine again after baby #2 arrives. Seeing as how I do like blogging, and it keeps our loved ones involved in our lives here, I think this is a nice resolution.
6. Find a class just for me - Be it yoga, or swimming, or tennis, or some kind of crafting, I want a little time for me, away from motherhood and wifedom (did I just make up a word?!) that will help me to stay balanced. Preferably, I'd like to do some exercising, because I'll probably need it after baby #2 is ready to start solids.

early December, in Jardin d'etat

Luc is THREE!

This year has brought plenty of learning experiences for Luc and us alike. He has transformed from toddler to little boy right in front of our eyes. Once again, it is a joy to watch him grow and learn and progress through his childhood. We know these days are short in the big picture, so we try to focus on them as much as possible. We love you so crazy much Monkey!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Today, we had originally planned to visit the aquarium on the west coast, but since we are all still in recovery from a particularly rough cold, we're postphoning this birthday outing to later this week or next. Luc got Play-Doh as one of his birthday gifts today, and we've been making snakes all morning!

24

Last but not least,

a wonky felt star tree topper!

clearly, handmade.

this week, next week

It's hard not to get all caught up in a holiday frenzy, even if it is way more subdued and much less commercialized here compared to the US. There has been a marché de noel every weekend somewhere, plus vendors setting up special holiday kiosks in the city center.
Luc has been sick for almost a week, and now Alex and I seem to be coming down with the same thing. So we are taking things slowly and I'm doing just the most important stuff on the to-do list in order for all of us to get suficient rest. Thus, the mountain of laundry is back and 3 times the size it was before. I did find a few minutes to bake some brownie cookies tonight. (priorities, people!)
Tomorrow we plan on relaxing, enjoying a lasagna lunch together, assembling a couple last minute gifts to give to friends, and then we're going to a friend's place to have a Christmas Eve feast. Unless we all wake up feeling sickly, and then we'll make a visit to the doctor's before he closes up for the weekend. Let's hope not.
The mango burn on my arm is almost fully healed, and sadly, I've sworn off mangoes forever. Unfortunately, our trees are dropping like 20 a day which have to be picked up and thrown away so as not to attract bugs. For the mangoes we pick, I can't give them away fast enough. It seems we always have a pile of mangoes sitting around. I should start a little roadside stand!

a good place to watch the rain

Alex has off all next week, so some projects will be started/completed, we'll head to the west coast for Luc's 3rd birthday, and in general, enjoy some good quality family time.

23

Sort of cheating at calling this handmade, huh? Hmm, how about handpicked from the beach?

20, 21, & 22

All 3 of these are handmade.

19

Sent from the states.

18

Handmade.

17

Bought at a Christmas market 2 years ago.

There was much moving around to get this little bird in the perfect spot.

 Finally, it was placed laying on it's side in the inner branches. :)

16

a gift from a South African friend.

15

Handmade from our shell collection.

14

Handmade

All the ornaments are becoming clustered around the center bottom, but they are also constantly rearranged by Mr. Luc. I'm happy he's liking the daily ornament routine we've started here. We get excited for Christmas, get to practice numbers, and get to talk about the textures, shapes, and meanings of each ornament.

10, 11, 12, and 13

The lack of posts the past few days can be attributed to the monkey refusing to nap (4 days in a row, yikes!), a crazy busy weekend, and spotty internet. But thankfully, today I am finally able to have a little down time.

10 - Handmade from a sea urchin found on the beach here

11 - Thrifted

12- Sent from my family in the states, I think it's my favorite one so far!

13 - Picked this up in Madagascar years ago, it became an ornament just this year though

Also, we met another American randomly on the playground Sunday morning! She and her husband (who is Reunionnais) moved here just after their son was born, a boy who is only weeks apart from Luc's age! What luck! And what a small world!
We plan on laying low this week as much as possible, to gear up for another busy coming weekend. I love the holiday season!

9 and a finished tree skirt

Handmade from a necklace charm left behind by Chloe.

The bias tape is all sewn on, and I really like how nicely it turned out.

My favorite part is the three buttons.

8

This ornament was given to me by one of my Mom's friends on my first Christmas. My parents sent it along for our tree this past year. I love the fuzzy mane and tail. Luc has been talking about this one for days now, and proudly said "right here" as he found the perfect spot for it on the tree.

6 & 7

Thrifted.

Sent from my parents, but handmade by someone?? Not sure of the story behind this one.

tis the season

On Sunday, Alex's work arranged for a day at a Christmas park set-up. It was like being in a cross between Candy-Land and some kind of tropical fair. We loved it! Get ready for a bit of a photo dump.

Now I want to wrap our palm tree in our yard for Christmas!

Santa arrives with his elves. All the parents brought gifts for Santa to hand out later.

Candy-land, seriously.

With about 10 different moonbounces.

Moonbounces are great to sit on when you're pregnant.

Luc with Celia

 

What are the wooden spoons for?

Yes! Kapla blocks!

There was an igloo too, that Luc was crawling into, and then....he demolished it. oops....

Obligatory awkward Santa photo.

Perfect. A police car, an ambulance, and a fire truck. He took them to bed with him.

The end!